This Week at Prospect

What Gifts Do We Bring?
Pastor Meighan's January 5 message "What Gifts Do We Bring?" is on Prospect's blog.

Oh No, Snow!
There are vague rumblings about snow in this weekend's weather forecast. In the event of weekend snow or other emergency situations, Pastor, Chair of Trustees and Co-Moderators will confer and decide no later than 8 am Sunday whether to cancel the service. One of them will then call the Office Manager at home to put out an all-church email, update the website and record a phone message.

If the weather turns iffy, please watch for these messages. Even if the service is not cancelled, please use your own judgment as to what is safe for you.

(During the week, if Seattle Public Schools are closed due to weather, the church office will also be closed.)

UCC Officers call for prayer, fasting for peace during Epiphany
Having celebrated Christmas and the birth of Jesus, now preparing for the season of Epiphany, [the officers of the United Church of Christ] call upon the congregations, the members and the clergy of the United Church of Christ to join together in a time of prayer and fasting for peace throughout the world.

Read the entire call here.

Small Northwest church stands tall in face of public prejudice
Veradale United Church of Christ in Spokane Valley is in the public spotlight this winter for opposing white supremacy and white nationalism. Read all about it here.

Are You Decluttering or Downsizing?
If you plan to start the new year by donating items in good condition that you no longer need, please keep the University Congregational UCC Superfluity Sale in mind! They will begin accepting donations on Friday, January 24. Bring them to room 133. All items need to be clean, in good working condition and have all their parts.

These items consistently sell well
•Antiques and collectibles
•Plants and garden tools
•Children’s clothes and toys
•Books and games
•Records, CD’s and DVD’s
•Decorative items for the home
•Housewares and small appliances, kitchen items, glassware, utensils
•Tools and electronics
•Jewelry, scarves, purses

Please DO NOT bring
Large furniture, stuffed animals, artificial Christmas trees, Christmas lights, dried/plastic flowers, rolled up pictures/posters, macramé plant hangers, disposable plastics, computers, printers, TV’s, VHS or audio tapes, adult clothes or shoes, office supplies, text books, Readers Digest Condensed books, skates, tire chains.

Community Lunch Coat Drive

Community Lunch has an ongoing need for men's coats. Please check your closets for unneeded men's coats. Place them in the blue tub in the entry. Suzanne Fry will be collecting donated coats and delivering them to Community Lunch each week.

Witness for Justice

Confessions of a First-Time Voter
Jessica Quinn, Online Communications Specialist
I remember vividly the last presidential election. I was in Burlington attending my final year of undergrad at the University of Vermont. The week leading up to the election was a tremendous challenge for me. It became clear the race would not have an obvious outcome, and as the votes were counted, I became increasingly regretful. You see, I had made a mistake. I had missed the deadline to register for an absentee ballot in my home state of New Hampshire, and here I was, facing the first presidential election in which I was old enough to vote, unable to do so. In an election in which I had so much to say, my voice went unheard. I was angry with myself and embarrassed to admit my error.

Since that election, I have faithfully voted at every opportunity. I have voted for governor, senator, school board, and judge, all in eager anticipation of 2020. I have come to appreciate the importance of my vote. My vote is my voice. My voice for reproductive rights, my voice for environmental justice, my voice for peace, my voice for workplace equality, my voice for criminal justice reform, my voice for gun safety. Last election, I missed out on using my voice. I am reminded of this each time a new rule is proposed or a federal judge is appointed.

As a member of the United Church of Christ, I am also aware of my responsibility to vote as a person of faith. Each time I walk into a polling station, I carry with me my values and my belief in love of neighbor and working toward a just world for all. The UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote Campaign offers resources for worship, tips for being active in elections, and helpful videos and links on the do’s and don’ts for engaging in the political process. I hope you will join me in using these tools to be informed about the issues and to encourage others in your community to vote.

Election Day 2020 is a big day for me. It will be my first time participating in a presidential election, but more than that, it will be a crucial opportunity for me to use my voice. In this pivotal year, I pray for God’s grace to listen attentively, to speak clearly and to remain open to the vision God holds for all of us.

Jessica Quinn is Online Communications Specialist for the United Church of Christ.

From Justice and Peace Action Network:

Preventing War in Iran

As a Just Peace Church, the United Church of Christ has long advocated for diplomatic and peaceful engagement with Iran. We have spoken out on multiple occasions in opposition to inflammatory rhetoric and direct provocation that could ultimately lead to war. In response to recent events, our UCC leadership has issued a call to prayer and fasting for peace during this season of Epiphany, to bring us back from the brink of war with Iran.

What has brought us to this point? In a drastic escalation of violence this week, the U.S. on Thursday initiated a targeted drone strike against several Iranian leaders at the airport in Iraq. This strike killed Iran’s highest ranking military official, Maj. General Qasem Soleimani, the leader of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds force. The drone strike has come after months of the administration ratcheting up its “maximum pressure” policy of sanctions against Iran, and Iran responding in kind with acts of defiance and violence. Several recent attacks have been attributed to Iran, including a recent attack at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. News broke on Friday that thousands of U.S. troops are now being deployed to the region. All of this followed the US’ unilateral abrogation in 2017 of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA, also known as the Iran Nuclear Agreement) that the US and its allies negotiated in 2015, despite certification by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Iran was in compliance with the agreement.

While we denounce all acts of violence and provocation on all sides, we urgently call on our own government to end the cycle of violence and escalation and avoid inciting a regional war.

As people of faith, we believe another way is possible. In our 2009 General Synod resolution, “Solidarity and Friendship with Iran”, we professed:

“Our sacred scriptures all point to our calling as disciples and peacemakers, to do what we can to bring healing into the world, not hurt, to end bloodshed, not to initiate it, to stop the killing and terrorizing of children and adults, and to make all of God’s Creation a safe place in which to live.”

A return to diplomacy is the only way forward. We must remind our officials of the shared humanity between our nations and find creative ways to build peace. This Epiphany let us pray and fast for peace with Iran and use our collective voice as people of faith to stop the drumbeat to war.

Call on Congress today to assert its constitutional war powers and prevent any funds from being used for war with Iran.

Family Constellations Workshop
Thursday, January 16
7-9:00 p.m.
Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room
Due to the sensitive nature of information that may be shared in this workshop, church members and other building users are asked to refrain from entering the conference room while the workshop is in session. The Thursday evening intro session is by donation and open to the public. If interested, please reserve your seat here.

MLK Weekend Events

Celebration at Town Hall
Thursday, January 16
12:00 p.m.
Town Hall Seattle, Great Hall
1119 Eighth Avenue (enter on Eighth Avenue)
Doors at 11 am
Come together this MLK Day to honor our nation’s foremost human rights leader and our County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hear from internationally recognized civil rights and civil liberties experts as they unpack themes from King’s address at the conclusion of the Alabama march from Selma to Montgomery, wherein King said “Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.” Speakers are John Powell , Executive Director of the Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society; and Dow Constantine, King County Executive. Join Powell and Constantine for civil rights conversations, music, spoken word, and a celebration of MLK Day. Presented by King County. Free, no registration required. info https://townhallseattle.org/event/2020-annual-dr-martin-luther-king-jr-celebration/

Seattle Colleges presents 47th Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr
Friday, January 17
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Doors open at 11 a.m.
Mount Zion Baptist Church
1634 19th Avenue (corner of East Madison Street)
Seattle Colleges presents 47th Annual Community Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. with Award-Winning Gospel Music by DaNell Daymon and Greater Works. Martin Luther King Jr. led the civil rights movement and fought for racial equality. Seattle Colleges believe that we all benefit when everyone has a lifetime of opportunity and our individual success is made greater by the success of those around us.
info: http://seattlecolleges.edu/mlk/

A Scribe Called Quess?
Friday, January 17
7:30 - 9 pm
Town Hall Seattle
1119 8th Ave
An evening with a poet and theater artist from New Orleans, "A Scribe Called Quess?" who has been involved in the removal of white supremacist monuments, appearing with local activist Nikkita Oliver and Project Pilgrimage. Sponsored by Project Pilgrimage, a local organization that leads civil rights trips to the South. info 206-652-4255 or https://townhallseattle.org/event/a-scribe-called-quess/
info: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2431441530452960/

16th Annual Youth-Organized March & Celebration
Saturday, January 18
9:00 a.m.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park
2200 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) invites the public to join the 16th annual Youth-Organized March & Celebration to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Participants will gather at 9 a.m. at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park. Teens will lead the march to Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S, 98118. The theme this year is “Together We Stand with 2020 Vision”. Teens, families and community members from throughout the city will speak out against injustices in a peaceful demonstration. The goal for the march is to celebrate the contributions that Seattle youth make in creating a better city, and to honor the work that youth do to keep Dr. King’s dream alive. Keynote speaker, A Scribe called Quess. Youth-designed workshops meant to challenge and raise social awareness. Live performances and dinner. Free to all teens and community participants and will include food, live music, a safe environment, and plenty of fun!
info: https://parkways.seattle.gov/2019/12/24/youth-to-lead-16th-annual-martin-luther-king-jr-march-and-celebration-on-jan-18/ or https://www.facebook.com/events/945189862535103/ or Shannon Anderson 206-536-0775 or shannon.anderson@seattle.gov

Womxn’s March Seattle event
Saturday, January 18
1 - 4:00 p.m.
begin at Cal Anderson Park
We will come together again for the 4th anniversary of the Womxn’s March. Beginning with a rally at Cal Anderson Park, ending with a march downtown. Hosted by Womxn’s March Seattle; Chief Seattle Club; WA Immigrant Solidarity Network -Red de Solidaridad de Inmigrantes en WA; Seattle Indivisible; Seattle Transit Riders Union; MAPS AMEN; info https://www.facebook.com/events/2374758042740876/ or https://www.seattlewomxnmarchingforward.org/

A Scribe Called Quess?
Saturday, Januray 18
7 - 8:30 p.m.
Third Place Books, Seward Park
5041 Wilson Ave S
Reading and Discussion with a poet and theater artist from New Orleans, "A Scribe Called Quess?" who has been involved in the removal of white supremacist monuments.
info: 206-474-2200 or https://www.thirdplacebooks.com/seward-park
Quess? is brought to Seattle by Project Pilgrimage, a local organization that leads civil rights trips to the South. info https://www.facebook.com/donate/2431441530452960/

Young Leaders Kickoff
Sunday, January 19
12-5:00 p.m.
Langston Hughes Center,
104 - 17th Avenue
Entertainment, refreshments, workshops, tables, and more! All ages welcome. Free, donations welcome. info: https://m.facebook.com/events/2531422693559575

Annual Urban Impact MLK Prayer Breakfast
Monday, January 20
7-8:30 a.m.
The Sheraton Seattle
1400 6th Ave
Event Theme: "Sustaining the Dream." Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Kelle Brown, pastor at The Plymouth Congregational Church. Early bird registration from $60, After Jan 13 $75.
info and registration: MLKPrayerBreakfast.com, info: 206-722-2052 x204 or lwhite@urbanimpactseattle.org

38th Annual MLK DAY Rally & March with Theme: "20/20 Vision"
Monday January 20
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Career and Opportunity Fair at Garfield High School, 400 23rd Ave
Over 50 employers and training programs with current opportunities will be present. Exhibitors will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/careerfair

9:30-10:50 a.m.: Workshops, in Garfield HS Classrooms

26 workshops, mostly led by local community activists on a wide variety of subjects. Workshop descriptions will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/workshop-topics

Workshops include

"Turn Up the Volume" on Political Theatre by poet and theater artist from New Orleans, "A Scribe Called Quess?" who has been involved in the removal of white supremacist monuments
Ethnic Studies in Seattle Schools
MLK and Militarism
I Have Been to the Mountaintop: Poets Reflect on “the Difficult Days Ahead”
How to Stop Hate in Seattle: Lessons From Former White Supremacists
Poor People’s Campaign Songwriting for Social Justice
and many more!

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Rally with speakers and entertainment in the Garfield Gymnasium
The Rally speakers and entertainers will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/program

12:30 p.m.: March begins, leading to a 2nd rally in downtown Seattle (exact location to be announced).
The march route will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/new-page
The Rally speakers and entertainers will be listed at https://www.seattlemlkcoalition.org/program

Community meal back at Garfield High School served through 3 p.m.
All events are free and open to the public.

Film Screening: From Seed to Seed
Friday, January 24, 2020
6:30 p.m.
Sanctuary
When Terry and Monique left the opera to pursue their true passion—ecological, small-scale farming—their story of community and resilience took center stage. FROM SEED TO SEED follows their young family and a diverse group of farmers in Southern Manitoba, for a season of challenges and rewards.
Scientists are working with these farmers using a blend of ancient traditions and cutting edge science to develop improved methods for growing food ecologically and in a changing climate.

This hopeful story provides a Canadian perspective on a global social movement that regenerates the land, farming, and communities toward a healthier future for us all.

All are welcome to this FREE screening, with discussion to follow. Donations will be accepted to help offset the cost of presentation.
View trailer here.
Use this Facebook event page to invite friends and family!

Author Reading: Barbara and the Rage Brigade
Saturday, January 25

7:00 p.m.
Third Place Books Ravenna
6504 20^th Ave NE

Office Manager Karen Eisenbrey’s newest book, Barbara and the Rage Brigade (sequel to The Gospel According to St. Rage) released on November 19. If you missed the launch event, here is another chance to listen to Karen read excerpts, talk about the book, and take questions from the audience. Bring your copy to have it signed or buy one at the event.
Facebook event page

If you can’t make it to this event, you can still order your copy online or from your favorite independent bookshop. Karen will be happy to autograph it if you bring it by the Prospect office. She also has a small stock of books for sale if you prefer the direct approach.

Homelessness Advocacy 101 Workshop
Wednesday, January 29
6-8:00 p.m.
University Congregational UCC Lounge
4515 16th Ave NE
Brought to you by the Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness, Homelessness Advocacy 101will help you learn how to speak up for smart policies and robust funding that will lead to a healthy and housed Washington. This fun training features Nancy Amidei, of the Civic Engagement Project, and local advocacy partners. We’ll review how good ideas become laws and budgets, and explain some key proposals being worked on in Olympia right now. We provide simple actions, sample messages, and a chance to practice your skills. You will leave informed and inspired, with tools to engage your co-workers, classmates, clients, fellow congregants, and others to speak up and make a difference.The workshop is free, but pre-registration is appreciated: http://bit.ly/homelessnessadvocacy101

Environmental Lobby Day
Thursday, January 30
8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
Temple Beth Hatfiloh
201 8th Ave SE, Olympia
Join the Environmental Priorities Coalition and hundreds of activists to push for key environmental legislation in Olympia on January 30th! Participants are encouraged to wear green!

Registration required here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4475438

During lobby day, you will team up with other activists to speak up for the environment and gain the skills to be a persuasive constituent. You'll have the opportunity to attend issue briefings, learn how to lobby, hear from environmental champions, attend breakout sessions, and meet face-to-face with your elected officials to advance the Environmental Priorities Coalition's 2020 priorities. For the 2020 legislative session, we have adopted four priorities essential for healthy communities and a thriving environment: Clean Fuels Now, Healthy Habitat Healthy Orcas, Climate Pollution Limits, and Reduce Plastic Pollution
Facebook event page

Conference Men's Retreat
Climate Change: From Despair to Hope
January 31-February 2, 2020
Pilgrim Firs
The retreat begins on Friday evening, January 31, with an optional day of silent retreat starting on Thursday evening. The theme is: "CLIMATE CHANGE: From Despair to Hope." We will address this together and in small group discussions as well as joining in song, good food, walks around Lake Flora and the Saturday evening Wisdom Circle for those who want to share reflections. There will also be a time of discussion about future retreats. Our program leader is Rev. Dave Schoen. He will draw heavily on two recent books on climate change: Climate Church, Climate World by Jim Antal, and Intrinsic Hope by Kate Davies. (Prospect has a copy of Antal’s book available for borrowing.) The Silent retreat is a special day to get out of our usual routine, to focus and reflect.
Rates:
- Saturday only - $40.00 / person (includes 3 meals)
- Friday night - Sunday, $150 / person
- Thursday night - Sunday, $230 / person (includes 1 day of silence)
Registration Link
Facebook event
Questions? Contact Rick Russell at myrtos@comcast.net or call or email Chris at Pilgrim Firs at chris@pilgrim-firs.org or 360 876-2031.

Save the Date: Interfaith Advocacy Day
Thursday, February 6
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The United Churches of Olympia
110 11th Ave SE
Olympia, WA 98501

FAITH ACTION NETWORK’s Interfaith Advocacy Day brings the voices of compassion and justice to our elected leaders. Meeting with your legislators and their staff on this day is putting your faith into action!

On Interfaith Advocacy Day, you will be able to:

Join workshops that will break down the issues on FAN's 2020 Legislative Agenda
Learn how to most effectively advocate in today’s legislature
Meet with advocates from your legislative district to prepare for your legislative visits
Meet with your legislator! Once you register, FAN will set up an appointment for you and others from your district
Lunch will be provided

Don’t miss this important day in Olympia! You are encouraged to sign up early and pay in advance, as the event is limited to 250 participants. Register here.

Save the Date: Michael Dowd at Prospect
Sunday, February 9
10:30 a.m.
Sanctuary
Please plan to join us for worship on February 9, when we welcome Rev. Michael Dowd to share a message. Rev. Dowd is a “pro-future evangelist” who writes and speaks about science and faith. He previously spoke at Prospect in December 2016. Learn more here.